What's the weather like in Lake Garda in October
The temperature around Lake Garda in northern Italy begins to drop in October as the summer season draws to an end and many of the hotels and cafés begin to close for the winter. But with the summer sun go the tourists, making this a much quieter time to explore the beautiful scenery and historic buildings around the area.
Temperature
While the average temperature for this month at the lake is 15ºC (59ºF), you can experience daily temperatures of 12ºC (54ºF) and particularly towards the end of the month the average low at this time of year is just 10ºC (50ºF).
Sunshine Hours
There is, however, still some autumn sunshine to enjoy with a 29% chance of a sunny day with an average of 8 hours sunshine. The sun at this time of year greatly contributes to warmer temperatures with highs on sunny days averaging 19ºC (66ºF) this month.
Unlike the summer months, as the temperatures across northern Italy begin to drop this month, the north of the lake becomes slightly warmer than the south thanks to the warm waters of the lake being sheltered by the mountainous landscape in the north. This month the average temperatures at the north of the lake are the same as those in neighbouring Verona, whereas the exposed south of the lake sees temperatures falling a degree below Verona's average of 14ºC.
Rainfall
Despite the drop in temperature from the previous month, there is actually less rainfall than in September with an average of 81mm falling across 8 days and a 30% chance of rain. Even though the rainfall is reduced this does not mean that you will necessarily see more sunshine as the chance of a cloudy day increases to 14% this month, compared to just 4% in September. As well as the weather becoming more overcast the wind also begins to pick up this month, although you still only have a 3% chance of a windy day.
Lake Garda Hotels for October
Agriturismo Villa Bissiniga
Experience your very own rustic Italian dream at Agriturismo Villa Bissiniga, a working vineyard and olive oil producer in the hills above Salò. This historic villa exudes rustic charm with stone terraces with views across the town and a roof terrace from which you can see down to the lake below. There is a bar and plenty of communal spaces to meet with friends, in the quiet of October you will feel as though this is your very own Italian hillside retreat.
Hotel Vega
Explore the beautiful region around Malcesine from the quaint lakefront Hotel Vega with its sunny terrace overlooking the lake and in-house restaurant serving traditional Italian fare. There is an outdoor hot tub and private beach if the autumnal October weather permits, otherwise this is a perfect spot for those hiking or mountain biking in the area.
Park Hotel
For a bit of luxury in the heart of Desenzano's old town is the imposing Park Hotel, a grand town-centre property with a stylish sun terrace at the lake's edge and a fine-dining restaurant, at which you can enjoy great food while taking in beautiful lake views, and an elegant bar.
Bars and Restaurants
The colder, less sunny days of October make it the perfect month for enjoying long leisurely meals and savouring some of the best of Italian cuisine. One of the best places to do this in Lake Garda is at Il Re della Busa, part of the Lido Palace hotel at Riva del Garda. The menu here is overseen by Michelin-starred executive chef Giuseppe Sestito. This is sophisticated Italian dining at its best.
Experience traditional Italian hospitality at the rustic Il Cappellaio Matto (the mad hatter) bar in historic Salò where cocktails are prepared with loving care and the atmosphere is always friendly.
Things to do in Lake Garda in October
La Meridiana Di Leali Fulvio
October is the beginning of the olive harvest around the lake and the perfect opportunity for you to find out how olive oil is made with a visit to one of the region's prestigious olive oil producers. La Meridiana Di Leali Fulvio at Puegnago del Garda to the southwest of the lake produces both wine and olive oil and offers tours and tastings.
CanevaWorld
Packed during the hot summer months there's still plenty to attract you to the theme park CanevaWorld this month. Attractions include a medieval world with re-enactments of jousting and swordfights before an authentic medieval banquet, a Rockstar Restaurant, and the rollercoasters and rides of the thrilling MovieLand Park. If the sun is out and you experience one of the month's warmer days then there's also the fun and thrills of the water rides at the vast Caneva Aquapark. All this without the endless queues of the busy summer months.
Street Market Of Desenzano del Garda
For an authentic slice of Italian life visit the street market of Desenzano del Garda held every Tuesday in the city centre. Experience the hustle and bustle of the locals buying their traditional delicacies as well as some beautiful craft work perfect for bringing home as a souvenir.
